INDIA: Sushma Swaraj among several ex-ministers dropped (video of swearing-in ceremony)

30 May 2019

Sushma Swaraj. (File Photo: IANS) — Sushma Swaraj.

Honoured to serve India! Watch the oath taking ceremony.

Honoured to serve India! Watch the oath taking ceremony.

Posted by Narendra Modi on Thursday, May 30, 2019

New Delhi (IANS): In a major surprise, Sushma Swaraj, one of the senior-most leaders of the BJP, was among seven ministers of the previous Council of Ministers to be dropped as Prime Minister Narendra Modi formed his government for the second term.

The 67-year-old Swaraj who has held key positions in the party and its governments since decades was conspicuous by her absence in the new Cabinet.

Although the reasons for Swaraj’s omission were not immediately clear, the main reason possibly could be her ill-health.

Swaraj, who was External Affairs Minister during the previous term of Modi government, did not contest the Lok Sabha elections this time, declaring that her health did not permit her to enter the fray and campaign.

During her tenure as the External Affairs Minister, she was very popular among the Indian diaspora and the compatriots stranded anywhere across the globe. Just one tweet to her about any problem any Indian faced anywhere and she would immediately swing into action and activate the Indian mission in those countries for help.

When the BJP was in Opposition during the UPA government from 2004 to 2014, Swaraj was the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a successful one.

Here is the full list of those who took the oath:

Cabinet Ministers	Union Minister of State, Independent Charge	Ministers of State
Rajnath Singh	Santosh K Gangwar	Faggansingh Kulaste
Amit Shah	Rao Indrajit Singh	Ashwini Kumar Choubey
Nitin Gadkari	Shripad Y Naik	Arjun Ram Meghwal
DV Sadanand Gowda	Dr. Jitendra Singh	General (Retd.) V. K. Singh
Nirmala Sitharaman	Kiren Rijiju	Krishan Pal
Ram Vilas Paswan	Prahalad Singh Patel	Danve Raosaheb Dadarao
Narendra Singh Tomar	Raj Kumar Singh	G. Kishan Reddy
Ravi Shankar Prasad	Hardeep Singh Puri	Parshottam Rupala
Harsimrat Kaur Badal	Mansukh Mandaviya	Ramdas Athawale
Thawar Chand Gehlot		Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti
Dr. S Jaishankar		Babul Supriyo
Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank		Sanjeev Kumar Balyan
Arjun Munda		Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao
Smriti Irani		Anurag Singh Thakur
Dr. Harshvardhan		Angadi Suresh Channabasappa
Prakash Javadekar		Nityanand Rai
Piyush Goyal		Rattan Lal Kataria
Dharmendra Pradhan		V. Muraleedharan
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi		Renuka Singh Saruta
Prahalad Joshi		Som Parkash
Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey		Rameswar Teli
Arvind Sawant		Pratap Chandra Sarangi
Giriraj Singh		Kailash Choudhary
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat		Debasree Chowdhury

BC Liberals successfully amend NDP labour plan

29 May 2019

BC Liberals said on Wednesday that they successfully blocked a misguided plan by Premier John Horgan and the NDP to allow construction union raids every summer. The NDP included this provision as part of the Labour Relations Code Amendment Act, which the BC Liberals were successful in amending.

“The ability to freely organize is one of the fundamental rights we enjoy in Canada, and this needs to be respected,” said BC Liberal Labour Critic and Chilliwack MLA John Martin. “But this needs to be done in a way that promotes stability for workers, unions, and employers alike. The NDP’s plan missed this mark. The government’s own partners in power sharing – the BC Greens – clearly agreed that this was a step too far, given they voted in favour of our amendment.”

Martin says that as with many NDP policies, the government once again prioritized its union allies at the expense of British Columbians.

“Allowing annual union raids would have singled out the construction industry for regular workplace disruption during its busiest season – risking delays and higher project costs,” said Martin. “Our BC Liberal amendment simply brought rules for the construction industry in line with other sectors – which was the advice of the NDP’s own independent review panel in the first place.”

Kasari Govender to be BC’s Human Rights Commissioner

29 May 2019

SGrsQ26U_400x400 — Kasari Govender Photo: Twitter

THE Special Committee to Appoint a Human Rights Commissioner has unanimously recommended to the legislative assembly that Kasari Govender be appointed as British Columbia’s first independent human rights commissioner.

The committee’s recommendation is included in a report that was released on Wednesday, May 29.

“Committee members were impressed by Ms. Govender’s extensive practice defending human rights coupled with her reputation as an effective administrative manager,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Committee Chair. “We especially appreciated her demonstrated commitment to reconciliation and her work advancing women’s rights.”

Added Stephanie Cadieux, Deputy Chair, “Ms. Govender is an exceptional candidate who brings a wealth of experience to this new independent office. She exemplifies leadership, collaboration and openness – qualities that will serve her very well in this role.”

The Human Rights Commissioner is a non-partisan officer of the legislature responsible for promoting and protecting human rights. The position was established with the adoption of amendments to the Human Rights Code on November 27, 2018. The appointment is for a five-year term and takes effect on September 3, 2019.

The committee’s report is available at: www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/hrc

The members of the committee are:

* Sheila Malcolmson, MLA Nanaimo (Chair)

* Stephanie Cadieux, MLA Surrey South (Deputy Chair)

* Raj Chouhan, MLA Burnaby-Edmonds

* Greg Kyllo, MLA Shuswap

KASARI Govender has practised constitutional law since 2006, with a focus on the equality rights of marginalized people. In her legal work, she has worked closely with people fighting for gender equality, Indigenous rights, children’s rights, the rights of people with disabilities and the rights of migrant communities. She is passionate about equality rights and using the law as a tool to build a more equal and just B.C.

Since 2008, she has held leadership positions at West Coast LEAF and has been executive director since 2011. She has co-authored a number of key reports and articles, and speaks widely on issues such as violence against women, access to justice, balancing human rights and regulating hate speech. She led West Coast LEAF through a time of significant growth as it has become a leading voice on gender equality in the country, including the rights of all women and other people impacted by gender-based discrimination.

Govender has in-depth expertise in human rights, constitutional and administrative law. She has represented equity seekers at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, with a particular focus on writing intervenor arguments. She has worked on cases engaging the spectrum of human rights issues as they arise in British Columbia, including ones involving single mothers leaving violent relationships, Indigenous women seeking access to the benefits of Indian status, parents seeking services for their children with autism and learning disabilities, access to justice for marginalized women in the Downtown Eastside, and missing and murdered Indigenous women.

She is the founding president of Rise Women’s Legal Centre, and led the establishment of the centre, a pilot project that has evolved into an independent, non-profit legal clinic. It is the only clinic of its kind in Canada outside of Ontario and has assisted hundreds of self-identified women to access justice in family law.

She earned her law degree from the University of Victoria and her master’s degree in international human rights law from the University of Oxford. She has sat on the board of Pivot Legal Society, the Coalition for Public Legal Services, and Society for Children and Youth. She has taught as an adjunct professor of law at the University of British Columbia and as an instructor at Simon Fraser University. In 2019, she won the Women Lawyers’ Forum’s Award of Excellence for breaking new ground for women in the legal profession in British Columbia.

She is inspired every day by her young son, niece and nephew to continue the fight for a world free of hate, discrimination and inequality.

New act ensures B.C. remains leader on clean energy vehicles

29 May 2019

NEWS NDP Michelle Mungall — Michelle Mungall

THE Zero-Emission Vehicles Act (ZEVA), passed on May 29, means all new light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be clean energy vehicles by 2040, delivering on a key commitment the government made in its CleanBC plan.

British Columbians are already buying the most zero-emission vehicles per capita in Canada. In the first quarter of 2019, they made up over 6% of new light-duty vehicle sales in B.C. Due to the popularity of its CEVforBC rebate program, the government recently topped up the incentives with another $10 million, part of the $42 million that was committed in Budget 2019.

“With federal and provincial rebates now in place, switching to an electric vehicle is more affordable than ever,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act will make sure British Columbia continues to be on the forefront of the clean energy revolution.”

Zero-emission vehicles use clean energy, improve air quality and cost dramatically less to fuel and maintain. ZEVA will require all new light-duty vehicles sold in the province to be zero-emission vehicles by 2040. This target will be met using a phased-in approach: 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040.

“By requiring that a percentage of vehicle sales in B.C. be zero-emission models, automakers will respond to the demand by offering consumers more choices,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Along with greener options like transit, the increased adoption of zero-emission vehicles will help lower emissions in our transportation sector.”

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quick Facts

* The government’s commitment to bring in a ZEV mandate was announced on November 20, 2018, and ZEVA was introduced in the legislature on April 10.

* Zero-emission vehicles include battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

* ZEVA is based on other laws already in effect in Quebec, California and nine other U.S. states.

* ZEVA applies to new vehicles for retail sale or lease, with annual requirements for automakers to meet starting for model year 2020.

* British Columbians who purchase electric vehicles typically save about 75% on their fuel and maintenance costs, which currently add up to about $1,500 per year.

New legal aid service to help more people find early resolution

29 May 2019

PAGE 2 NDP DAVID EBY latest 2019 — David Eby

THE Legal Services Society (LSS) has introduced a provincewide legal aid service that will be available to people who would not normally qualify for legal aid.

By reducing eligibility rules, legal aid lawyers will be able to help more people in B.C. navigate the criminal justice system – people who would otherwise have to represent themselves in court. It will be available throughout the province and will help eligible clients get legal advice on cases that are suitable for early resolution.

“This new service will work towards ensuring that British Columbians have equal access to justice,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “Increasing access to justice is one more way we are making life better for people in B.C., particularly those who are underserved or marginalized.”

The program is supported by funding that the Ministry of Attorney General provides to LSS to establish and administer an effective system for providing legal aid to British Columbians. It is part of government’s commitment to improve legal aid service delivery for courts, lawyers and most importantly, the people who rely on legal aid services.

“My ministry is working with LSS to remove barriers to justice and help people resolve their disputes early,” said Eby. “We are also ensuring progress is made on priorities like expanding poverty law services and working with Indigenous partners to create a justice system that works better for Indigenous peoples.”

Government has committed to fund up to $2 million in 2019-20 for pilot legal clinics in up to eight communities that will provide free legal advice and advocacy. Budget 2018 also included an investment of $26 million over the following three fiscal years to help provide criminal, family and civil legal aid services.

People who could benefit from LSS’s new early resolution legal aid service are encouraged to contact LSS to learn more.

Quick Facts

* The financial eligibility cut-off for this legal aid service is $1,000 higher than for regular legal aid services. Clients do not have to face jail time to qualify.
* Previously, LSS had to deny service to 1,200 criminal legal aid applicants each year because their incomes were over the financial eligibility limit or they were not facing jail time.

* The program will help people with matters that can be resolved within 90 days and before setting a trial date.

Independent Investigations Office probing motorcycle incident in Vancouver

29 May 2019

THE Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. is probing a Vancouver incident involving a motorcyclist who sustained serious injuries.

The IIO said that it was notified by the Office of Police Complaints Commissioner (OPCC) that on May 23 at approximately 10:30 p.m., a Vancouver Police officer attempted a traffic stop on a motorcyclist on Granville Street.

Shortly afterwards the male motorcyclist drove through the intersection at West King Edward and Granville Street before falling off the bike.

The male was taken into custody and complained of pain before being transported to hospital where it was determined he had sustained serious injuries.

The IIO is asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477.

Review to be conducted into emergency response for patient

29 May 2019

ADRIAN Dix, Minister of Health, has directed a review of an emergency medical response for a patient who died in the Lower Mainland in November 2018.

The independent review will be chaired by Dr. Jim Christenson, an emergency physician at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, and head of the academic department of medicine at the University of British Columbia. Christenson will be joined by Dr. Michael Feldman on the panel. Feldman is the paramedic services medical director and provincial dispatch medical director at Sunnybrook Centre for Prehospital Medicine in Ontario.

The review will look into the medical care received by the patient in the days and weeks leading up to the person’s death and the emergency response in the hours surrounding the death. The review panel will have the co-operation of Providence Health Care and Vancouver Coastal Health, along with Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

“British Columbians can and do rely on our emergency responders when they are at their most vulnerable,” Dix said. “Whenever we are faced with a case that may warrant a review, we look to independent experts who can look for learnings and suggest improvements that will benefit patients, first responders and the system as a whole.”

BCEHS and PHSA conducted a Section 51 safety review immediately following the incident. Section 51 reviews are conducted to identify learnings from an incident and then to take action as quickly as possible to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.

The independent review panel will report back to the minister by July 2019.

OBITUARY: AVTAR SINGH DEOL

29 May 2019

Avtar Singh Deol, born in Adampur / Harripur, passed away peacefully on May 27 at the age of 82 with family by his side. Predeceased by his parents, Dr. Rajinder Singh Deol and Chandan Kaur Deol.

Avtar immigrated from India to Canada in 1987. He resided in Squamish with his wife and family until his retirement from Whistler in hotel services. He then moved to Surrey with his wife Kalwant to be closer to family and friends.

Avtar will be long remembered for his passion for gardening, his sense of humour and his love of music. Avtar leaves behind his wife and children, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a large extended family and friends.

Funeral services to be held at Riverside Funeral Home on June 2 at 10 a.m. Lunch and Celebration of Life to follow at 7843 143rd Street, Surrey.

Please contact (604) 618-2610 for additional information.

OBITUARY: BRANDON BASSI

29 May 2019

Brandon Bassi passed away in a car accident on May 23 at Royal Columbian Hospital. His funeral service will be held at Riverside Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7410 Hopcott Road, Delta, on Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m. followed by Antim Ardas at Gurdwara Nanaksar 18691 Westminster Highway, Richmond, at 5 p.m.

For more information, please call Kulwinder Bassi at 604-780-1506.

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B.C. to study billing transparency, fairness in cellphone contracts; BC Liberals slam Horgan and NDP

29 May 2019

FRUSTRATED by the lack of transparency in cellphone bills – from clarity about fees to the absence of plain language that makes contracts confusing – consumers want to see changes, and the government says it is looking for information to help.

The Province has launched a public questionnaire inviting British Columbians to share their views and experiences regarding cellphone contracts. The goal is to identify ways to promote transparency and fairness and aid government in reviewing B.C.’s current consumer protection laws. This public survey also gauges an individual’s knowledge about their rights under the federal Wireless Code.

“Cellphones are a part of everyday life and people deserve to understand where their money is going and have tools to make informed choices about their cellphone services,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “We will also use the results to advocate for British Columbians’ concerns to the federal government and encourage the delivery of more flexible, transparent and affordable cellphone options in B.C.”

The survey runs from May 29 until July 5 and takes up to approximately 15 minutes to complete. Stakeholders groups and the telecom industry will also be invited to participate in the engagement. The results of the public engagement will be summarized and included in a public report.

“This survey will provide valuable insights to government on what issues British Columbians have when it comes to cellphone contracts and billing, and what actions the Province can take,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “My hope is that we hear from British Columbians from all over the province so the data provides a complete picture of cellphone contract and billing experiences.”

This action government is taking on cellphones is part of ongoing work to provide informed consumer protection changes in B.C. that recently include:

* protecting financially vulnerable people by changing the rules on payday and high-cost loans via the Consumer Financial Protection Action Plan; and,

* regulating live-event ticket sales to help provide an even playing field between fans and ticket selling businesses.

Quick Facts:

* 92% of British Columbians have at least one cellphone in their household, versus 59.3% having a landline.

* Cellphone use as a primary communications device is on the rise: Canada-wide in 2017, 36% of households reported having only a cellphone and no landline, compared with 15.5% of households in 2012.

* The federal government is responsible for regulating telecommunications in Canada. Provinces have jurisdiction over contracts and consumer protection.

* Established in 2013 and updated in 2017, the federal Wireless Code provides consumers with a number of rights, including plain language contracts and the ability to cancel a contract at no cost after two years.

Complete the survey here: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/cellphonebilling

MEANWHILE, the BC Liberals slammed Premier John Horgan and the NDP for “more studies, no action.”

“The NDP promised to address cell phone bills in its February Throne Speech, yet waited until the very end of May to announce a useless survey on the issue,” said Jas Johal, BC Liberal Co-Critic for Jobs, Tourism and Technology and MLA for Richmond-Queensborough. “They’ve said the survey will help give them insight into what actions the Province can take, which tells me they simply don’t know what they’re doing.”

Horgan and the NDP’s failure to come up with ideas and take action just adds to the affordability woes of British Columbians, said the BC Liberals.

“Whether its costly cell phone bills, skyrocketing gas prices, or rising ICBC and hydro rates— life isn’t getting any easier for hard-working British Columbians,” said Greg Kyllo, BC Liberal Co-Critic for Jobs, Tourism and Technology and MLA for Shuswap. “Affordability was a key promise made by John Horgan and the NDP, and all they’ve shown they know how to do is order study after study. They are clearly stalling, and British Columbians can see right through it.”

Johal and Kyllo also noted that cell phone billing is a matter of federal jurisdiction, and the CRTC is already doing this work. They said Horgan continues to waste taxpayer dollars on expensive studies to create the illusion he is doing something.

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